Members from the RFS, defence forces, Fire and Rescue NSW, local mayors and MPs, as well as representatives from Police Legacy and retired officers stood side-by-side with local police as they marked National Police Remembrance Day.

Oxley police hosted their command’s service in Tamworth where more than 50 officers and community members, including the family of slain Oxley highway patrol officer Senior Constable David Rixon, observed a minute silence in St Peter’s Anglican Church.

“Our profession can be unpredictable in its risks, the field of operations a lot of the time is undefined and unknown and sometimes it just happens,” Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd told the gathering.

“I’m immensely proud of what we do as a profession and how we respond to the needs of our community everyday.

“Today is a day of reflection and an opportunity to pay homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice policing their communities.”

Acting Superintendent Budd said it was a chance to not only remember the fallen, but also their families, friends and colleagues.

“My wish is that all our colleagues remain safe and well,” he said.

“That their respective families, colleagues and communities never need to grieve again.”